SPL title still the focus for Celtic and Lennon, despite Rangers banishment

Neil Lennon denies there will be more focus on Celtic's European campaign next season in the absence of Rangers from the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

A relaunched Ibrox club is set to play in the lower leagues with the Scottish Football League clubs meeting next Friday to decided on whether it is to be in the First Division or Third Division.

Back in business: Neil Lennon overlooks training

Without the traditional challenge
from their Old Firm rivals, Celtic are overwhelming favourites to retain
their SPL title next season and, ahead of the pre-season trip to
Germany, Lennon insists that is his priority.

Asked if his attention will now be
more on Europe, where Celtic face two qualifying rounds before the
lucrative Champions League group stages, the Hoops manager said: 'I'm
not too sure about that. We are the champions and the most important
thing is to retain the championship.

'Europe is something that we would like to progress in and take this team forward, and the club as well.

'We're preparing as best we can from
Monday. We go away on Sunday for a 10-day training camp and we'll be
working very hard to get the players up to speed.

Main aim: It's all about retaining the title for Lennon

'These games come very, very quickly and are always fraught with danger. But Europe is a big carrot for us this year.'

Lennon is still contemplating
replacing first-team coach Alan Thompson after removing his close friend
and former team-mate from his backroom staff.

'I'm debating that at the minute with the other guys at the club,' said the Northern Irishman.

'At the minute we'll go with what we have.

'We're always looking to improve. I've been away trying to improve myself over the summer.

'I went to France and watched all the games in the Euros, I've been speaking to other managers.

'Johann (Mjallby, assistant) has been
away doing stuff. It's just natural progression and keeping everyone
singing from the same hymn sheet.

'But I'm open, I've got a few people in mind or I might just go with what I've got.'